Jaguars Foundation awards $293K to youth-serving agencies

Foundation says 2011 giving will top $1M

The Jaguars Foundation Board announced the awarding of $293,000 in its second and final grant cycle of 2011 to 10 local non-profit organizations serving economically and socially disadvantaged children and families in Northeast Florida.

This brings the total in grants awarded in 2011 to $1,073,000.Under the leadership of Delores Barr Weaver, Jaguars Foundation chair and CEO, the foundation's total grant giving since 1995 is almost $15 million for youth-serving programs in the Jacksonville area, which includes Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.

"Our dream of the Jaguars Foundation began even before Jacksonville was awarded the 30th NFL franchise in 1993, and we awarded our first grants before the team played its first game in 1995," Weaver said.Peter Racine, the foundation's president, noted that the Jaguars Foundation will be continuing its grant making program under the leadership of team's new owner, Shahid Khan.

"We are very pleased that Shad Khan has made the commitment to continue the Foundation's important work to help provide children and youth with the support and opportunities they need to succeed in life." Weaver said.The Jaguars Foundation does not solicit contributions nor hold fundraising events. The team's grant making program is funded primarily from team revenue.The following grants were awarded in 2011 Cycle Two: